I Punch the Tailed Beast Ball

Including Kabuto’s team, there were now a total of sixteen teams that had gathered around the Summon Steel Tag.

They all looked at the wooden box hanging from the tree with greedy eyes.

However, no one dared to be the first to take the box.

They all knew that the first person to make a move would surely be surrounded by everyone, so no one dared to act rashly.

Kabuto was no different; with so many Genin gathered here, even he wouldn’t escape unscathed if all of them came at him at the same time.

”There are more teams coming. Do you want the situation to become even more chaotic?” Kabuto broke the silence.

”Heh, do you have any brilliant idea? Do you think I’ll just give you another Summon Steel Tag and then back off?” The Iwagakure Explosion Release user said mockingly.

Some of the teams that went after the Summon Steel Tag today weren’t involved in the fight over the Summon Steel Tag yesterday, so that Iwagakure Explosion Release user was actually reminding others that Kabuto already had one Summon Steel Tag and giving him another would be too dangerous.

As expected, other teams were more wary of Kabuto’s team now. Of course, this also had something to do with the fact that they were the strongest here.

While teams from the same village would often team up, they wouldn’t stick together all the time. After all, they still had to search for Tags, and staying together made it difficult to divide the loot.

Kabuto’s team, on the other hand, had a total of five teams, with a complex composition, as Sunagakure and Kumogakure teams were mixed in.

Kabuto wasn’t angered by the words of the Iwagakure Genin. His expression remained unchanged as he analysed the pros and cons.

”There are already have sixteen teams here, and that’s chaotic enough as it is. If more teams come, it may lead to a large-scale brawl. Even if either of us manages to obtain the Summon Steel Tag, it would come at a significant price.”

”Moreover, I’m not taking this Tag for myself; I’m just keeping my word to help Atsushi Arayama and his team.” Kabuto points to the Sunagakure team standing beside him.

”What do you propose then? I’m gonna do whatever it takes to get this Summon Steel Tag.” The Explosion Release user said casually.

”Well, instead of a large-scale brawl with unnecessary sacrifices, each team selects one person to fight over the Summon Steel Tag. The rest will guard this area to prevent interference from other teams.” Kabuto lays out his plan.

Instead of a chaotic battle with dozens of Genin fighting each other, a fight among sixteen Genin was much better. This reduces the unexpected factors and made it less dangerous.

”Each team sending one person to fight, huh? I have no issue with that.” This time, the Explosion Release user readily agreed.

It was simple, and he believed in his own strength and considered this rule might be more advantageous for him since his teammates were not as strong. Other teams looked at each other, carefully considering Kabuto’s proposal and realized it was not a bad idea. A large-scale brawl would be very dangerous, after all.

Moreover, most of the participants were teenagers. They didn’t consider themselves weaker than others and were confident in their skills.

Soon, all sixteen teams agreed to this proposal.

Everyone was well aware of their teammates’ strength as they had been comrades for a long time. After a brief discussion, they easily determined who would participate.

Those who did not participate in the fight started to back off, making room for the combatants. At the same time, they remained vigilant, watching around to prevent others from taking advantage of this situation.

Kabuto’s team sent out Itachi.

”Don’t take it too seriously; just keep an eye out on the situation.” Kabuto whispered to Itachi.

Itachi nodded, believing that Kabuto must have other plans and this was not his real plan to secure the Summon Steel Tag. However, since there were a lot of people around them, and some might be able to hear them, Itachi didn’t ask and simply took out a set of shuriken from his pouch as he walked forward slowly.

Among the Sunagakure team on Kabuto’s side, one chose Atsushi Arayama, and the other team picked a crew cut-Genin.

Since Kumogakure team had four injured people, the two uninjured ones were picked by default.

When the combatants from the sixteen teams were all in position, the representatives of the other eleven teams simultaneously attacked Kabuto’s team, including the Kumogakure and Sunagakure’s representatives.

Everyone assumed that Itachi and his allies were the strongest here, so they planned to take them out first.

Swoosh!

The Explosion Release user’s Chakra erupted as he charged straight at Itachi.

Eight people in total were going after Atsushi Arayama, his Sunagakure teammates, and the Kumogakure representatives, while three ganged up on Itachi.

Kabuto watched this scene and found it understandable. Clearly, those Genin were not foolish. They agreed with Kabuto’s plan, but that didn’t stop them from eliminating Kabuto’s team.

’I’m relieved that you’re not a saint. Otherwise I may feel bad.” Kabuto silently said.

The combination of Wind and Water Release could produce the same effect as Ice Release Kekkei Genkai.

Although Kabuto can’t use Ice Release, with those two Nature Types, he could create a low-temperature Water Release.

So, what happened when fire met water?

High-temperature water?

Perhaps it was possible, but what Kabuto wants now is not that; he wanted mist!

Facing the simultaneous attacks of three opponents, Itachi demonstrated astonishing reaction speed and agility.

With a light jump, he easily avoided the attacks of the three enemy Genin.

Boom!

The Explosion Release user struck the ground, instantly triggering a crazy explosion, scattering gravels everywhere.

Even the other two Genin that ganged up on Itachi with him was covered in mud as a result.

But as if some mud would hinder them! They kept charging towards Itachi.

”As I expected, it’s Explosion Release. Unfortunately, it’s just getting started. Please wait a little longer.” Seeing the damage caused by the attack from the Iwagakure Genin, Kabuto confirmed his speculation.

Unfortunately, the battle has just started; otherwise, he would have made his move.

However, the opponent was an Explosion Release user, and Kabuto expected more explosions to come.

Everyone on Kabuto’s side was now surrounded, with Itachi facing three opponents, and others were mostly in a one-on-two situation.

Due to the lack of coordination, it quickly became a case where one plus one was less than two. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be surprising if someone on Kabuto’s side had already lost by now.

Nevertheless, even in such a situation, most of them were struggling except for the brawny Kumogakure Genin.

Because Kabuto told Itachi to hold back, he hadn’t fought back and has only been evading so far.

After two minutes, Kabuto gave Itachi a signal and then glanced at the Explosion Release user.

Itachi nodded slightly and suddenly stopped evading, using his hand to catch one of the attackers’ kicks and throw them away.

”Are you finally up to a proper fight?” The Explosion Release user sneered. It seemed Itachi got on his nerves as he constantly evaded his attacks.

Itachi didn’t say anything and just swiftly threw shurikens from both hands and then followed up with a set of kunai.

Boom!

The Explosion Release user gathered a large amount of Chakra in his hand before striking the ground, causing a massive explosion that blew away the shurikens and kunai. He then immediately used Body Flicker Technique, disappearing from his spot.

As Itachi threw shurikens with his left hand, he swiftly made hand seals with his right hand.

”Single-handed hand seals?” The Iwagakure Explosion Release user frowned as he repelled the incoming shurikens effortlessly, ”This kid’s got quite a few tricks up his sleeve.”

Poof!

Two Itachi’s shadow clones emerged and quickly rushed towards the Explosion Release user.

”Shadow clones, huh? I’m not afraid of that at all.” The Explosion Release user smirked as he tightly clenched his hand and struck once again.

Boom!

A powerful shockwave of explosion hit the oncoming shadow clones.

While shadow clones could withstand attacks to a certain extent, they couldn’t withstand such a terrifying impact.

In an instant, the two shadow clones dissipated into smoke.

However, Itachi wouldn’t waste Chakra on meaningless actions.

”Bzzzt!”

After the shadow clones were taken out, a horrifying burst of lightning burst forth, incinerating the ground and the nearby trees.

The moment the shadow clones were conjured, Itachi stuck two Lightning Tags to one of the shadow clones!

Although the Explosion Release user was barely within the range, he used his Explosion Release to defend himself.

”Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!” Seizing the opportunity while the Explosion Release user was busy with the Lightning Tags, Itachi quickly made hand seals and spewed out a massive fireball towards the Explosion Release user.

Seeing the terrifying fireball, the Explosion Release user didn’t dare to take it lightly. He focused a significant amount of Chakra in his right hand and struck fiercely.

Boom!

A loud explosion resounded, and the intense flames dyed the forest red, attracting most people’s attention.

Kabuto saw this as an opportunity and swiftly completed his hand seals.

While everyone was focused on the intense battle between Itachi and the Explosion Release user, a thick white mist suddenly appeared.

Upon seeing the sudden appearance of the thick mist, elite Genin from various villages present quickly shouted, ”Quick, protect the Summon Steel Tag! Anyone with Wind Release, use it to disperse the mist!”

But Kabuto was faster. The fully prepared Kabuto instantly activated Total Concentration Breathing to increase his speed. He easily slipped past the confused Genin from various villages, repelling the attacks aimed at the Summon Steel Tag crate with a few compressed air blades. He then immediately broke the crate as soon as it was within his reach and secured the Summon Steel Tag.

At this moment, several Wind Release techniques were deployed, dissipating the fog and restoring the visibility.

The wind of early spring, carrying a slight chill of late winter, blew Kabuto’s white hair.

Kabuto smiled and said while holding the Summon Steel Tag in his hand ”It seems the outcome is clear.”

The Explosion Release user annoyedly said, ”You’ve violated your own rules. Is this how low Konoha Shinobi would stoop?”

”Well, you’re ganging us up, no?” Kabuto remained unfazed as he looked at the Explosion Release user.

”At least that didn’t violate the rules we agreed upon.” The Explosion Release user argued.

Kabuto smiled and calmly said, ”There’s no rule saying that I can’t snatch the Summon Steel Tag, either.”

The Explosion Release user was speechless. It was indeed the verbal agreement that wasn’t created thoroughly. Clearly, Kabuto’s move was something he didn’t anticipate.

’He probably has been planning to steal the Summon Steel Tag while we were busy fighting.’ Explosion Release user speculated.

Since the Summon Steel Tag would fall to the winner of the combat, it was natural to send the strongest member of each team. By sending the strongest member among each them, the remaining members would be weaker, making it easier to execute his plan.

On top of that, they were distracted by the battle among the sixteen Genin.

’Is this guy really eight years old?’ After a careful analysis, the Explosion Release couldn’t help but complain.

He was just a kid no matter how you looked at it, and yet he was not only powerful but also cunning enough to come up with such a plan so quickly.

At this moment, Kabuto took out another Summon Steel Tag from his pouch and said, ”If anyone wants to try the power of this Summon Steel Tag, then by all means.”

Seeing the two Summon Steel Tags in Kabuto’s possession, everyone immediately recalled how terrifying the Summon Steel Tag was when Orochimaru demonstrated it and subconsciously took a step back.

”We’re leaving!” The Explosion Release user said annoyedly to his teammates and left without hesitation.

The Summon Steel Tag packed quite a punch. He didn’t want to fight Kabuto even if Kabuto only had one Summon Steel tag on him, let alone now that Kabuto had two of them.

And what was the point of fighting Kabuto? For the Summon Steel Tag? If Kabuto used it, there would be nothing left to take.

Others soon realized this too and took their leave, continuing their search for the scrolls.

Seeing this, Arayama Atsushi hesitated. Should he also leave with his team? Or should he try to ask the Summon Steel Tag from Kabuto? Although he had six Sunagakure Genin including, he didn’t think he stand a chance against Kabuto.

As Arayama Atsushi was contemplating whether to leave gracefully, Kabuto approached him and handed the Summon Steel Tag to the Sunagakure team.

”Here is the Summon Steel Tag that I promised. We’re even now.”

”You...” Arayama Atsushi was stunned, not expecting Kabuto to give him the Summon Steel Tag just like that.

At the same time, Arayama Atsushi was also moved. Kabuto was so kind that he might’ve called him his brother if he weren’t a Konoha Shinobi.

After handing over the Summon Steel Tag to the Sunagakure team, Kabuto then used Medical Ninjutsu to help treat the injured Kumogakure Genin. Finally, he bid farewell to Sunagakure and Kumogakure teams and headed at full speed toward the central tower with Itachi and Isamu.

Kabuto suddenly thought of a possibility; maybe the Summon Steel Tag wasn’t dropped randomly, but was deliberately sent towards him.

So, Kabuto decided to rush toward the central tower at full speed, regardless of the Tags he would stumble on.

Otherwise, on the fourth or fifth day, the Summon Steel Tag might be sent to him again by a certain Hokage assistant, and that would be really troublesome.

”This guy.” The Fourth Raikage looked at Kabuto with mixed feelings.

At first, Raikage disliked Kabuto because he threatened Kumogakure teams, but now he found himself starting to like Kabuto as he made sure to treat the injured Kumogakure Genin and even handed the Summon Steel Tag to the team from other village just to keep his promise.